Washington Wine

Washington State has become the second largest wine producer in the US, however its quality wine history is fairly new. The first wine grapes were planted in Fort Vancouver by the Hudson Bay Company in 1825. By the early 20th century, many European immigrants were producing wines of decent quality. By 1914, vineyards were dotting Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys.

But the Prohibition halted commercial production considerably, even though this also forced a wave of home wine-making. After the Repeal, strict laws were set in place that isolated Washington’s wine industry. Even though some vinifera wines were being produced for private consumption, what emerged from Washington was only sweet and dessert wine made from Concord grapes. These same laws also prohibited California wines, so the majority of Washingtonians only drank what they knew, those sweet Concord wines.

Then in the early 1960s scientists Walter Clore and Chas Nagel won an appeal to Read more »

Washington State has become the second largest wine producer in the US, however its quality wine history is fairly new. The first wine grapes were planted in Fort Vancouver by the Hudson Bay Company in 1825. By the early 20th century, many European immigrants were producing wines of decent quality. By 1914, vineyards were dotting Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys.

But the Prohibition halted commercial production considerably, even though this also forced a wave of home wine-making. After the Repeal, strict laws were set in place that isolated Washington’s wine industry. Even though some vinifera wines were being produced for private consumption, what emerged from Washington was only sweet and dessert wine made from Concord grapes. These same laws also prohibited California wines, so the majority of Washingtonians only drank what they knew, those sweet Concord wines.

Then in the early 1960s scientists Walter Clore and Chas Nagel won an appeal to overturn the wine restrictions. They argued that Washington had enormous potential for quality vinifera wine production and could easily give California some steady competition if given the opportunity. They reasoned that Washington shares the same latitude as many of Europe’s renown regions, has long direct sunlight hours (two more than California) and isn’t prone to the same diseases and insects. The only downside is susceptibility to frost, but at least the vines could be salvaged for the following season. The laws were overturned.

The Cascade Mountains create a rain shadow effect, blocking the wet conditions on the other side from the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia, Walla Walla, Snake and Yakima rivers provide much-needed irrigation, air circulation and cooling conditions. Ice Age floods left behind layers of sandy, volcanic soils which favor grape-growing and repel Phylloxera (along with the cold winters). This means grapes are grown from single root stocks instead of the hybrids found in most of the world to prevent the spread of Phylloxera.

Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay are the most popular varietals cultivated. These benefit from a long growing season that promotes proper phenolic balance in the grapes.

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The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a nose of leather, black cherry and a hint of mint. The taste is just lovely, with a rush or ripe fruit up front, blackberry, cherry and plum that transitions effortlessly to some lovely mineral notes o...

The wine is a beautiful garnet in the glass, with a slight hint of amber along the edges. The nose presents aromas of blackberry, leather and mint, with just a bit of black pepper spice. The taste is just lovely, with a good bit of black licorice and...

From the maker of Boom! Boom! Syrah. For the price point this is a real steal. Vivid berry fruits, spice, earthy tones and a pencil lead quality that really pops out for some reason lead to medium tannins and well framed acidity. What follows is a juic...

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Great anytime wine. This is one of the first wines I drank after actually "getting into" wine a few years ago, and it is probably the only one from then I havent left behind. This is the type that you always want to have a few bottles around. This is the only White I drink on a consistent basis anymore, as I have gradually leaned more towards...
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Meal in a bottle - rich, dark fruit - great tannin balance - so pungent I found it difficult to draw a full breath with my nose submerged in the glass, and I've got that French nose. It's selling out quickly, found it difficult to secure 2 bottles recently. The Syrah gives it a nice finish - takes down the kick from the full-bodied Cab.
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